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The Bitter End - Swan Song
The Bitter End
Swan Song
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By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill
A swan preparing for flight, like our beloved Captain Gator. Photo by ahisgett via Creative Commons
Iam sure many of you are wondering at the odd title of this column. You’ve likely heard this old expression, but are perhaps not sure where it comes from. Originating in the ancient Greek culture and dating back to the 6th to 9th centuries B.C., to say it has lengthy roots is an understatement. It refers to the last song a swan makes before its death, after having spent most of its life mute, or nearly so.
In today’s society the term is used in reference to death, retirement or a final act. How does it apply here? First off, I am not dying. Or at least I hope that’s not the case. However, this will be my final article as your The Bitter End columnist for Southern Tides.
In no way is this due to any mitigating factors other than time management for myself.
Amy has been outstanding [saintly, I'd say] in her patience with my tardiness in submitting these columns (including this one). I have been fortunate enough to write for y’all since the earliest days of Southern Tides, though by no stretch of the imagination do I consider myself an accomplished writer. However, I hope that you, the readers, have been entertained and educated to some extent.
Lest I digress, typically at least five months of my life each year is chaotic at best, often working seven days a week for months at a time. As winter rolls around I try to go home for a couple of months to decompress. What this mean for the magazine is a contributor who is perpetually late. So, this is my final song. But before I take my leave, I’d like to offer a few parting thoughts.
Boat with class and compassion. What does this mean? Boating with class means simple things, like not cutting people off, paying attention to what’s going on around you. Boating with compassion? Lending a hand when another boater is experiencing problems, and not disregarding or looking down on others whose boat may not be to the same standard as yours. Remember your initial love and enthusiasm for being on the water.
When given the chance to learn or to educate others, do so. As Albert Einstein said, once you stop learning, you start dying. As a professional mariner I constantly try to learn and to mentor new mates or aspiring captains. As a former contractor I’ve often had workers tell me, “I’ve been doing it like this, that, or the other for years.” My response most often was “You’ve been doing it wrong for that many years.” There’s always room for improvement. Every time I leave and return to the dock I’m learning things and critiquing myself.
To all of you who’ve been reading The Bitter End column these last four years, thank you. One of the best feelings is to have someone come up and tell me how much they enjoy my writing, especially when I don’t consider myself a writer. So again, thank you all, so, so much.
Amy, thank you for having faith in and patience with me. As you know I’ve struggled each month, first to find something to write about and then send it to you in a timely manner. I hope to be a contributing writer at least once annually or a couple times a year. As you know, I stand ready to help in any capacity that time and ability allows. Oh yeah, do you have a picture of a swan? Ha! Once again you can see how prepared I am!
Even though you won’t see me in these pages every month, I’ll still See You On The Water!
[Editor’s Note: I suppose it would be both impractical and unseemly to stand over you with a weapon and force you to write a column, so until I can come up with a less lethal and more persuasive method of compelling you, I’ll have to accept this. But let me be very clear, I am NOT happy with this decision, Gator! You will be sorely missed. Best of luck to you in all your endeavors. You know the door is always open when you want to come back! It's been a pleasure working with you these past four years. Thank you for your efforts and for sharing your wisdom, experience and humor with our readers - and with me!And for the record, I’ve never known you to be mute … ]
217 Calley Road
WILMINGTON ISLAND This wonderful four BR/3B home is waiting for your family. Located on popular Wilmington Island. It is close to all schools and shopping. Two master suites on the first floor and both are overlooking a private backyard and screened porch. Updated kitchen and baths. Hardwood floors throughout the home. Newer HVAC systems and water heater. Sprinkler system was added for a lush yard. Additional lot located on the marsh for additional privacy and extra space. Have anyone that likes to build forts? This yard gives you plenty of room to do that. Convenient access to the beach or Historic District. Wonderful quiet neighborhood. $475,000
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364 Shady Oak Circle RICHMOND HILL
This beautiful three BR/2B home is located on a lagoon. It has a wonderful open floorplan open to DR and kitchen. Wood burning fireplace and soaring ceilings. Stainless appliances. The master bedroom is huge with plenty of room for extra sitting area. Large walk in closet. Sprinkler system and tons of storage. The amenities are easily accessible. Walking trails, community pool and playground. Everything your family could desire in the Main Street subdivision of Richmond Hill. The schools are just down the road. $189,900
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29 Wild Thistle Lane
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78 Shipwatch Road DUTCH ISLAND
This wonderful 5 BD, 3.5 BA family home is ready for you. From the open floorplan with lots of entertaining areas to the back deck overlooking the tidal lagoon, everyone has a space. This is a true 5 BR home with 3.5 baths. Split floorplan and master is on the first floor along with two other bedrooms. Living Room with FP and builtins and Dining Room welcome you as you enter. The family room and kitchen are open to each other and the back deck. Oversized two car garage is deep enough for storage and cabinets. This community is so perfect for your family. Lots of amenities. Gated community but close to all shopping and schools. Don’t miss the crab trap right out your back door. $499,000
WHITEMARSH ISLAND
The Marshes subdivision This 3BD 3BA is a wonderful place to call home. Large open rooms with two bedrooms on the first floor, great room and family room off of kitchen. Add a screened porch and deck to enhance the amazing marsh views. The second floor has a large bonus room, third bedroom and a bath. Lots of amenities to include a community pool, community dock, and common areas. $359,000
BURNSIDE ISLAND
This 4 BD, 3 BA home boasts one of the largest non estate lots on the island. Over an acre. Lots of beautiful camellias and mature flowering vegetation. Very open GR and a beautiful fireplace. Sun Room off the GR. Three BRs, 2 B on the first floor. Bonus is fourth BR and has its own private bath. Kitchen has eat in area with exposed brick. Gas stove. Plenty of outdoor storage. Lovely Pergola over a large outdoor deck area. Oyster Party Haven. This is a family home, ready for your personal updating. Great island living. Golf cart approved community. Optional Assoc. with annual picnic and golf cart parades. $369,000
6349 Abercorn St. Savannah, GA 912.352.1222
Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927
lyn@coldwellbanker.com www.lynmccuen.com
DOWNTOWN
This is the one for you. Whether you are attending SCAD and want to have plenty of room for you and your roommates, or you want a great home within walking distance of all the wonderful things to do downtown. First floor has LR, DR, updated kitchen, 1/2 bath and a huge storage laundry room. Second floor has a trunk room, two front bedrooms and a hall bath and a great new master en suite with large closet. Not to be outdone, the outside has a wonderful patio, fenced yard, off street parking and more storage space. Hardwood floors. Lots of natural light. Potentially great income producer. $369,900
BURNSIDE ISLAND
OMG!! 4BRs, 3BAs. That is all you can say about these views over the marsh and Vernon River. The sunsets alone are breathtaking. This traditional Low Country home is located on 2.8 acres and has views out of every window. Inground pool and screened porch overlooking the view as well. This estate is perfect for the discerning owner with privacy and lots of potential for gardens or a family compound. Burnside Island is a unique island with single family homes and lots of walking, riding, etc. Golf cart approved island. Owner may apply for membership in the Burnside Island Yacht Club on the Intracoastal Waterway. $749,900 REDUCED UNDER CONTRACT
525 E. Anderson Street
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281 Shipyard Road
MIDTOWN
Wow!! No lots like this in Parkside. 4 total lots with amazing outdoor space. This charming bungalow will draw you in and make you want to settle in for life. Two bedrooms and bath down and a fantastic master suite and sitting area with bath on second floor. Hardwood floors and contemporary kitchen. There are two outdoor screened areas. Detached single car garage with lots of extra storage. Parkside is such a welcoming community with lots of friendly neighbors. Walk to Daffin Park for the dog park, watching games or enjoy the Banana games and fireworks. Ready for you now. $355,000
1205 E. 51st Street
ISLE OF HOPE
This wonderful 2 BD 2.5 BA home was originally the location of a dairy farm. Two buildings for living. One two story with a wonderful master suite upstairs with new bath and large closet. Separate “bunkhouse” has full bath, bedroom, kitchen and living area. They are joined by a cozy courtyard and expansive deck perfect for back yard enthusiasts. Large detached workshop and several outdoor storage buildings. Welcome to Isle of Hope! Walk everywhere. To the marina, to the community pool, along Bluff Drive with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The community is one the few golf cart approved areas. This special historic home is for the lover of beautiful and unique properties. Perfect for second residence or investment. $375,000 REDUCED
Located in a Scenic Historic District; Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The Best of Savannah, Georgia!
Complimentary Loaner Cars
Drive in minutes to local restaurants, grocery stores, West Marine, and a Wal-Mart Supercenter.
Dockside Amenities
• Complimentary High-Speed Wi-fi • 30 - 50 - 100 amp electrical service • 4,000 feet of floating concrete docks • 600 feet of deep water face docks • Gas and diesel facilities • Pump-out station
Marina Amenities
• Complimentary loaner cars & bicycles • Ship’s store and laundry facilities • 2,000 sq. ft. overwater pavilion • Private restrooms and showers • Seasonal swimming pool
